Oliseh: Why Iheanacho Is Not In Eagles Squad

Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has explained why Manchester City teen star Kelechi Iheanacho is currently in the squad but insists the young forward remains part of his plans despite excluding him from the squad for next month's international friendlies against Congo and Cameroun in Belgium.

Oliseh handed a late call-up to Arsenal FC teen forward, Alex Iwobi, who was on Wednesday cleared by FIFA to wear Nigeria's colours after the 19-year-old opted to pledge his future to his fatherland ahead of England.

But the Nigeria coach says Iheanacho might not yet be ready.

"Iheanacho will get his time with the Super Eagles no doubt but we must not rush him into the squad," Oliseh began in a chat with Completsportsnigeria.com.

"He's currently nursing an injury and he needs substantial time on the pitch as well.

"We acknowledge his talent but he still needs to prove that with the Olympic squad as well.

"Iwobi has just got the much awaited green light to feature for Nigeria and we need such talents to in the team just as Iheanacho.

"Everybody will get his chance to showcase what they can offer the team but we the coaches will invite them at the right time so they don't perform below what we expect."

Iwobi was an unused substitute for Arsenal who defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in Wednesday's Capital One Cup clash at White Hart Lane.

3 Comments

Oliseh’s rationale makes no sense. Iwobi, yes…Iheanacho, no?? What experience does Iwobi have that Iheanacho doesn’t. Even more perplexing is Obafemi Martins’ omission. Seems like coach wants to center on Ighalo for now, but still….